Warrenpoint Harbour Authority has agreed a new 10-year contract extension with Irish Sea freight specialist Seatruck Ferries following significant investment in the port facilities including a recent £1.3m dredging programme.

The multi-million pound agreement underlines the Seatruck Ferries commitment to the port at a time of growing volumes on the route, and helps Warrenpoint cement its position as the second busiest port in Northern Ireland for volume of freight handled.

Seatruck is now the largest tonnage operator in Warrenpoint and in 2016 the service had a record year with well over 100,000 shipments for the first time in its history.

The business operates a twice daily roll on roll off ferry service connecting Warrenpoint Co Down with Heysham in Lancashire. The operation commenced in April 1996 and has gone from strength to strength with a €70m investment in two ferries which were introduced in 2007.

At the same time, the harbour authority also provided a new loading ramp and upgraded terminal facilities.

As part of the new agreement Warrenpoint harbour has committed to provide additional terminal space in Warrenpoint as is required to cope with future growth predictions.

“Warrenpoint is where the Seatruck story began and we are absolutely delighted to extend our agreement with the port and in turn our commitment to the local area,” said CEO Alistair Eagles.

“The wider financial benefits of having a successful port in this area should not be underestimated. Warrenpoint Harbour is the economic heartbeat of Newry and Mourne and more widely on both sides of the border.

“We now need to ensure that we have the arteries clear to ensure that the blood can flow freely and we welcome the progress being made on the Newry Southern Relief Road.”

Harbour CEO Peter Conway said:

“Warrenpoint Port is delighted to continue its long-standing business relationship with Seatruck Ferries with the signing of the ten-year extension to the contract.

“Seatruck is a fast-growing innovative Ferry operator with a long and successful history at Warrenpoint.

“Together both companies hope to continue to grow the business and to provide and develop this modern cross channel roll on roll off service.”